Turntable recommendation

[Jeru]

A friend has asked me what NEW turntable to buy.

I know what you're thinking. This is not one of those times where it's really me that's asking
and the 'friend' is fictitious. I'm asking you because I (generally) don't buy new things and I
run an old Marantz (pic below).

He's looking at the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo ($550-600). Let's call that an indication of his
preferred price point. I have advised him against a Pro-Ject for reasons re: my own personal
experiences with that brand prior to my settling down some and getting myself some good ol'
stereo gear.

Any recommendations / thoughts / prayers are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[THX1123]

I bought an Orbit Plus from U-Turn. I have the cover and the thick acrylic platter. I have been happy.

The Ortofon Blue cartridge was almost as much as the turntable, but it made a huge difference.

Getting a 70's Marantz tuner/amp made a difference too, but that's another discussion.

 

[trandy9850]

Marantz 6200….that’s a very nice turntable.

 

[schmee]

My old Marantz is still working too! It must be creeping up to 50 years old now. Slightly different model than yours, but the arm, platter and plexi look similar. Model 6170 I think.

 

[trandy9850]

A vintage Thorens might be nice…but they can be pricey.

 

[58Bassman]

A vintage Thorens might be nice…but they can be pricey.

Where about, in Camdenton? My friend lived on LOTO for about ten years, not far from Holiday Hills Marina.

 

[trandy9850]

Where about, in Camdenton? My friend lived on LOTO for about ten years, not far from Holiday Hills Marina.

I live right in town…not far from the courthouse….LOTO has changed a lot since we moved here in 2003…mostly good…more available shopping locally…used to have to go to Jefferson City or Columbia for certain things…not anymore…which we like.

 

[58Bassman]

I live right in town…not far from the courthouse….LOTO has changed a lot since we moved here in 2003…mostly good…more available shopping locally…used to have to go to Jefferson City or Columbia for certain things…not anymore…which we like.

Oh, OK- he was in Edwards. I'm looking at properties down there- found one that might be promising- total of ~6.5 acres, about half is wooded and from the map aerial view, it looks like a lot of Walnut trees. It's across the street from the water and that's fine- less expensive and less to maintain.

 

[micpoc]

My quick suggestion would be a Rega P1, which I believe comes with a cartridge. Setup on Regas is pretty simple.

 

[Timbresmith1]

Used vpi.

 

[bladeswitcher]

I like my Music Hall mmf-1.5. I can’t tell you why I chose it over the other brands, but i do like it.

 

[pashkop]

I bought an Orbit Plus from U-Turn. I have the cover and the thick acrylic platter. I have been happy.

The Ortofon Blue cartridge was almost as much as the turntable, but it made a huge difference.

I have this one too and am very happy with it.

 

[Killing Floor]

Look at UTurn. They’re not super expensive but you can choose options like wood plinth and stylus types that suit you. Belt drive. Super cool. They’ll even tack on a preamp if you don’t have one.

 

[bottlenecker]

A friend has asked me what NEW turntable to buy.

I know what you're thinking. This is not one of those times where it's really me that's asking
and the 'friend' is fictitious. I'm asking you because I (generally) don't buy new things and I
run an old Marantz (pic below).

He's looking at the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo ($550-600). Let's call that an indication of his
preferred price point. I have advised him against a Pro-Ject for reasons re: my own personal
experiences with that brand prior to my settling down some and getting myself some good ol'
stereo gear.

Any recommendations / thoughts / prayers are appreciated. Thanks.

View attachment 1090475

I'd rather have the marantz, but I bought a pro-ject when I got tired of making parts for an old turntable. For a new no-hassle tt, there's not much in the price range, not better than a pro-ject or rega, that I know about. If the pro-ject still has the stamped steel platter, I consider an acrylic platter a necessary upgrade.

 

[Tarkus60]

I did a lot of searching. I went with this one and am very happy with. The cartridge is hard to beat.

 

[bottlenecker]

I'd rather have the marantz, but I bought a pro-ject when I got tired of making parts for an old turntable. For a new no-hassle tt, there's not much in the price range, not better than a pro-ject or rega, that I know about. If the pro-ject still has the stamped steel platter, I consider an acrylic platter a necessary upgrade.

Actually my real recommendation is find a good hi fi shop that repairs stuff. Buying well sorted old gear from them will sound better, and then you know where to get stuff fixed.

 

[warrent]

Get a Rega, best value for the money and best resale value. I'd suggest a rega planar 3 but they are all good.

Best record players 2023: our pick of the best turntables

The best vinyl decks for your budget

www.whathifi.com

 

[notmyusualuserid]

Why do people recommend old hifi gear? There's little old stuff out there that is worth buying, and what is worth buying is going to be expensive.

Nothing wrong with Pro-Ject, but a Rega Planar 1 is worth checking out. A Planar 2 or 3 is a better buy, but neither have a phono preamp.

 

[micpoc]

Why do people recommend old hifi gear? There's little old stuff out there that is worth buying, and what is worth buying is going to be expensive.

Nothing wrong with Pro-Ject, but a Rega Planar 1 is worth checking out. A Planar 2 or 3 is a better but neither have a phono preamp.

Particularly when the OP stated his friend "asked me what NEW turntable to buy."

 

[BigDaddyLH]

I found that a turntable that had bluetooth was handy